Manchester Storm has confirmed its return to Manchester’s AO Arena for the 2026/2027 season. This announcement ends months of speculation regarding a move from their previous home in Altrincham. The Elite League club made the announcement on Monday morning, confirming their historic return to the arena.
A ‘powerful homecoming’
Manchester Storm stated the move marks a “powerful homecoming that reconnects the club with its roots and marks a new era for ice hockey in the city.” The move to the 23,000 capacity AO Arena aims to accelerate growth and attract new fans.
The team reached the play-off finals in April for the first time in 24 years. According to club bosses, this achievement reflects both their on-ice success and the sport’s rapid growth across the UK.
Planet Ice Statement
Owners of the Planet Ice rink in Altrincham issued a statement saying they would not be issuing a licence for them to play there in the new season. The statement claimed they had been left in the dark about the team’s plans despite “persistent rumours” of a move to the AO Arena.
Return to Roots
Manchester Storm was founded in 1995 as a tenant of the then newly-opened Manchester Arena. The original Manchester Storm secured the First Division championship in their inaugural season. They became founding members of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996.
According to Manchester Storm and AO Arena, Storm’s early years were defined by success and spectacle. The club claimed the league championship title in the 1998–99 season and lifted the Autumn Cup the following year. During this golden era, AO Arena became synonymous with record-breaking crowds and electric atmospheres.
During the 1996–97 season, a standout moment occurred when 17,245 fans packed the venue for a clash against rivals the Sheffield Steelers. This set a British attendance record that still stands today.
Members of the current coaching staff were part of that original era as players. They bring with them an emotional connection to the arena and its legacy.
Manchester Storm’s move comes at a time of a wider rise in the popularity of ice hockey across England. Increased grassroots participation, growing fan engagement, and rising visibility of the Elite Ice Hockey League have all contributed.